Cell phones and driving have been in the news quite a bit lately.
Reports continue to come out describing how any driver using a cell phone while behind the wheel is distracted and is 38% more likely to have an accident.
Can truck drivers and cell phones safely co-exist? No one doubts the importance of having a telephone available in the case of an emergency.
However most drivers, both car and truck, don't use their cell phones just for emergencies.
They can be seen talking on cell phone while driving on a regular basis.
For a truck driver, using a cell phone provides an additional way for them to stay in contact with their families at home.
In this way, they are very similar to the CB radios that truckers have used for years.
They are a means to communicate with others outside of the truck, and often at great distances.
Safety for yourself and others on the road is one of the things taught to truck drivers.
To maintain safety, here are some rules that truck drivers may want to:
Follow these rules to help you know how to use your phone wisely.
If you do, there's no reason why you can't make your calls and stay safe.
Reports continue to come out describing how any driver using a cell phone while behind the wheel is distracted and is 38% more likely to have an accident.
Can truck drivers and cell phones safely co-exist? No one doubts the importance of having a telephone available in the case of an emergency.
However most drivers, both car and truck, don't use their cell phones just for emergencies.
They can be seen talking on cell phone while driving on a regular basis.
For a truck driver, using a cell phone provides an additional way for them to stay in contact with their families at home.
In this way, they are very similar to the CB radios that truckers have used for years.
They are a means to communicate with others outside of the truck, and often at great distances.
Safety for yourself and others on the road is one of the things taught to truck drivers.
To maintain safety, here are some rules that truck drivers may want to:
- If at all possible, pull over to the side of the road to make or take your call.
This is the safest way to use a cell phone while driving.
You won't be distracted; therefore you won't be a hazard to others. - Use your cell phone enough before getting behind the wheel that you're completely familiar with it and all of the features you'll be using.
Speed dial and voice activation are two features that should make dialing a phone safer. - Use a hands free device if you have one.
While they won't totally reduce the distraction, at least you'll have both hands on the steering wheel. - Before you get on the road, put your cell phone where it's easily reachable.
It's much easier to put your phone where you can reach it than leave it in a purse or briefcase. - Nothing says you have to answer every call you get.
If you're in unfamiliar area or very heavy traffic, that's what you have voicemail for. - Don't be afraid to tell the person on the phone that you're driving and will call them back.
- Keep conversations light.
Stressful or emotional conversations seem to distract more than other types. - If there is an emergency, either yours or for someone else, don't hesitate to use your cell phone.
In this case no one would fault you for dialing while driving. - Wait until you're off the road before looking up phone numbers, taking notes, or dialing long telephone numbers.
- Realize that you'll have times where using your phone and driving aren't wise.
If road conditions are hazardous, traffic is extremely heavy, or you're in an unfamiliar area, it would be better to keep your eyes on the road and your mind on traffic.
Follow these rules to help you know how to use your phone wisely.
If you do, there's no reason why you can't make your calls and stay safe.
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